The American story in holiday celebrations reflect our rich cultural diversity. And the history of how we celebrate holidays is a chronicle of how immigration has transformed the country.

As the sharing of America’s story is a foundational element for Jim Hinckley’s America, I thought Christmas would be a perfect time to share a bit of the holidays story. And as we are about to bid adios to 2025 it also seemed an ideal time to reflect on what an amazing year it has been.

THe American Story in Cultural Celebrations

As twinkling lights shine bright on Main Streets and in living rooms across the United States each December, it’s worth pausing with a warm cup of coffee, chocolate, Wassel, or cider in hand for some reflection. How did we come to celebrate this festive time of year that centers on Christmas? What makes the American holiday season unique?

So, let’s talk about the Christmas chapter of the American story. After all, like much of our history it is a story of blended traditions.

From Colonial Roots to National Tradition: The Evolution of Christmas in America

The Puritans

Christmas wasn’t always at the center of American life during the month of winter solstice. In the pre-Revolutionary War era, the question of how to celebrate Christmas was a point of contention in the original 13 colonies.

In the 17th century, Puritan communities in New England actively discouraged the holiday. The prevailing view was that the Christmas celebrations in England that lasted for nearly two weeks were to worldly. British holiday festivities were a swirl of church imposed traditions, feasting, drinking, and masquerade balls. And then there were the pagan connections.

In the Massachusetts Bay Colony a law passed in 1659 stated, “whosoever shall be found observing any such day as Christmas or the like, either by forbearing of labor, feasting, or any other way” would incur a five-shilling fine.

Tradition and Diversity

Other New England colonies celebrated Christmas with English traditions. Church attendance and mumming (people in costume going from house to house to toast friends and neighbors), and plays made it a festive celebration.

In the middle and southern colonies there was more religious and cultural diversity. The blending of English and Spanish, Anglican and Roman Catholics traditions gave the holiday celebrations a unique feel.

But Christmas wasn’t recognized officially. In fact, the first session of Congress opened on December 25, 1789.

Transformation

The holiday traditions we know today were in place by the time Christmas was declared a national holiday in 1870. Waves of immigration and a growing commercialization had made the decorated tree, Santa Claus, carols, church services, Christmas cards, and the giving of gifts integral parts of the American tradition.

With the establishment of large department stores, industrialization, and the evolution of marketing families soon bought into the idea that they were celebrating age old Christmas traditions. But in actuality the traditions of immigrants were blended with those created by advertising agencies with the result being a distinctly American holiday.

Often overlooked in the history of evolving Christmas traditions is the role of crushing poverty. In 1819, American author Washington Irving wrote The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon. This series of stories centered on the celebration of Christmas in an British manor house and a squire who invited the peasants into his home for the holiday.

English author Charles Dickens highlighted the gulf between rich and poor in A Christmas Carol. The theme of charity struck a powerful chord. He wrote in an era when the working poor often rioted for food, coal, and other needs during the Christmas season. This seasonal violence was a catalyst for the New York City council to establish the city’s first police force in 1828.

A Bit of Christmas Trivia

• In 1836, Alabama became the first state to recognize Christmas as a legal holiday.
• Jolly old St. Nick in his red suite is the creation of a Coca Cola advertising campaign. Most traditions had Santa wearing a costume of green and white.
• Rudolph the red nosed reindeer was created by Robert L. May for a Montgomery Ward poem in 1939. In the first draft the name was Reginald.
• Early artificial Christmas trees were made from dyed goose feathers.
• A marketing campaign created a Christmas tradition in Japan tha is so big advance orders are required.
• The first song broadcast from space by NASA was “Jingle Bells”.

Christmas: A Time For Reflection

In our home the primary Christmas tradition is the blending of old traditions with new ones. Today started with coffee and fresh sweet potato pie baked by my dearest friend. Then we opened a few gifts while listening to Irish and Scotch Christmas tunes (thank you).

Then I answered Christmas greetings from friends, family, and friends that we think of as family. Next, I penned this blog post. Dinner plans include baked salmon, potatoes, carrots, and home made tiramisu for desert shared with our son.

Reflection and thoughts of the future are a big part of my Christmas holiday. At this age there are lots of memories, good and bad, linked with Christmas past. And as 2026 will be chock full of celebrations linked to the 250th anniversary of the United States and the Route 66 centennial there is a bit of eager anticipation about the year to come.

Thanks for Being Part of the Journey

Telling people where to go. Sharing America’s story. It’s what I do. And it’s what I enjoy. So, it is not possible to reflect on 2025 without thinking about how fortunate we are, and how you make this possible.

So, to the folks that share our passion for road trips and the American story, thank you. And thank you for sharing the adventure. You’ve helped turn shared stories into shared experiences. You’ve also shown that America’s traditions, like its highways, connect us all.

So, let’s keep the adventure rolling! Invite your friends, bring your curiosity, and get ready for even bigger adventures in 2026.

Thank You for an Incredible 2025

At Jim Hinckley’s America we are filled with gratitude. This wasn’t just another year on the calendar. This was a year of adventures shared with friends, amazing road trips, and new friendships. And then there were the unforgettable conversations that celebrated America’s diverse and inspiring heritage. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to every fan, follower, listener, supporter, sponsor, and adventurer who joined us on this journey.

On Sunday mornings you grabbed a cup of coffee, pulled up a chair at the virtual diner that is Coffee With Jim, our weekly podcast, and joined the conversation. Together we explored the history, people, and spirit of adventure that makes the road trip a voyage of discovery.

This year’s travels, podcasts, presentations, projects, and stories wouldn’t have come to life without the generosity of our amazing sponsors and advertising partners. We are grateful for their commitment, and their passion for the sharing of the American story.

Their dedication to local heritage, preservation, and inspiring people to discover America with a road trip dovetail with our vision and mission. They are more than sponsors. They are the foundation for our network of partners. So, we would like to say thank you to …

Sponsors and Partners

Telling & Showing People Where To Go

RouteTrip USA – Bespoke holiday specialists crafting unforgettable journeys across the U.S. and Canada. Chantel and Steven will help you hit the road with confidence and joy. It is a distinct honor to write a road trip inspiring feature for their monthly newsletter. And it is a pleasure to serve as a consultant in the development of their tours.

Austin Coop’s Two Lane America – Austin is your go-to guide for Route 66, Midwest automotive museum, national park, and New England fall color tours. Aside from penning their monthly road rip inspiring blog post, it is a distinct pleasure to meet with his groups at Calico’s in Kingman and to share stories about Route 66.

Sam Murray’s Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours – Sam is as passionate about the American story and road trips as we are. It shows in the attention that he gives to each tour along Route 66 or through the heartland by following the Mississippi River south. Meeting with his groups and sharing stories is just one example of what makes Sam’s tours unique and special.

Always A Warm Welcome

David Brenner’s Roadrunner Lodge Motel — Tucumcari, New Mexico – With painstaking attention to detail, David transformed a derelict motel into a destination, an almost magical place where the line between the 1960s and present is blurred. It is a distinct pleasure to partner with David as we inspire road trips and tell people where to go.

Connie Echols’ Wagon Wheel Motel — Cuba, Missouri – Can a Route 66 adventure be considered complete without a stay at this treasure and a visit with Connie? The oldest continuously operated motel on Route 66 is a time capsule, and an amazing place where the infectious magic of this storied highway is served up with a smile!

Deana Nelson — State Farm Agent, Kingman, Arizona – Deana is a true hometown hero. Aside from supporting the work of Jim Hinckley’s America she contributes mightily to a diverse array of initiatives in Kingman that foster development of a sense of community and community purpose.

Vickie Ashcraft’s Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park — Albuquerque, New Mexico – The Enchanted Trails Trading Post is a tangible link to the 1940s. The RV Park is full service and modern. And Vickie is passionately dedicated to the Route 66 community. Aside from Jim Hinckley’s America, she has supported my work on an array of projects and initiatives. One of these was the game changing 2014 International Route 66 Festival in Kingman, Arizona. And she has served as the president of the Route 66 Association of New Mexico and was a founding member of the New Mexico Route 66 Alliance that is assisting communities as they prepare for the Route 66 centennial.

One More Thank You

One more thank you is due. That is for our partners that support our work through Patreon. You have been an integral part of so many projects from educational programs to community development initiatives.

Your commitment, infectious enthusiasm, and belief in what we do mean more than words can say. Thank you for partnering with us in preserving history and encouraging people to discover America with a road trip or two.

The Voices That Shaped the Year

Every Sunday morning on Coffee With Jim we invite folks to pull up a chair and join the conversation with fascinating people who live, breathe, and champion the great American road trip, heritage, and community spirit. Every guest is  a storyteller in their own right.

And in 2025 we had a chance to visit some amazing and inspirational people. Let’s start with authors and artists.

Author Steve Purdy talked about his new book Mascots in Motion: Images and Stories of Automotive Aesthetics, automotive history, meeting Jay Leno, and the art of photography.

Internationally acclaimed sculptor Donald Gialanella joined us to talk about the importance of public art, the story behind the Running Hare sculpture along Route 66 in Kingman, Arizona, and his plans for the future.

Authors Jim Ross & Shellee Graham, pioneers in the Route 66 renaissance movement, joined us to talk about the Route 66 centennial and their new book about this storied highway that celebrates that milestone.

Richard Lentinello joined us to talk about, Crankshaft Magazine, and how automotive culture can be blended with the art of storytelling to highlight America’s industrial heritage.

The People That Transform Communities

Our conversation with Scott Dahl, Director of Tourism, Springfield Illinois Convention & Visitors Bureau was full of community development ideas. He also shared information about the important roll of historic preservation in building a sense of community, and heritage tourism as a catalyst for economic development.

Mayor Janet Jernigan, Needles, California championed using the Route 66 renaissance as a catalyst for historic district revitalization. We also discussed the Route 66 Info Fair scheduled for February 14, 2026.

The conversation with Carl Norloff who is working on reviving S & H Green Stamps for a new generation was quite thought provoking. As it turned out, this was one of the most popular episodes in 2025. 

The conversation with Marlo Anderson, National Day Calendar about holidays, culture, and tourism insights was informative and smile inducing.

Wade Bray, organizer of the AAA Route 66 Road Fest, sat down to discuss one of the most exciting events on Route 66, and plans for celebrating the Route 66 centennial in Tulsa.

Road Trip Inspiration

Judging by comments received, the conversation with Elizabeth Olwig of the Missouri Route 66 Association inspired several road trips. Elizabeth has an infectious enthusiasm and passion for community development, road trips, and history.

Rhys Martin, President of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association has joined us on several episodes. In 2025 the conversation centered on preservation, the Route 66 centennial, and community engagement.

Dal Smilie, Tin Can Tourists ambassador for the upcoming Route 66 centennial caravan, was a lively conversation. We talked about the history of the Tin Can Tourists, road trips, road trip adventures, and Studebaker trucks. This was a fun smile inducing episode.

Mary-Frances O’Dea the creator of Retro Roadtrip and Mid Century Style Magazine and I found lots to discuss in this episode. Everything from seeking out the rare Lustron Homes of the 1940s to quirky motels, and urban exploration were talked about. Our hour together flew by.

Laura Misajet, Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural Association in Goffs, California and I found lots to discuss as Goffs is a ghost town along Route 66.

Always Something Different

Our conversations on Coffee With Jim are wide ranging and diverse. In other 2025 episodes we talked with Sarah Elizabeth, Kingman Main Street about revitalizing historic communities for tomorrow’s travelers. And then there was a conversation with Jackie Dunn of the Tulsa Model A Ford Club. Anthony Arno, Route 66 education advocate, and acclaimed Ray Harvey, Missouri based mural artist, were also guests.

On Coffee With Jim the wisdom and passion of guests, and insight from the audience, are what make our weekly conversations invaluable. Each guest has added depth, perspective, and inspiration to the story. And that is one reason we received recognition as an official Route 66 centennial program.

As 2025 winds to a close, we look ahead with excitement and purpose. There’s more history to uncover, more roads to travel, more voices to lift, and more adventure to share.

Share The Adventure

So, join us in 2026 by becoming a follower or subscriber across the Jim Hinckley’s America network from our blog and podcast to social media and Patreon. Be part of a community that celebrates heritage, sparks curiosity, and inspires journeys both near and far. From neon signs to dusty two-lane highways, from small-town museums to historic motels that whisper tales of the past the road ahead is rich with possibility. Let’s explore it together.

Thank you for a wonderful 2025. And here’s to the shared adventure that awaits!

Jim Hinckley’s America, sharing America’s story and inspiring road trips by telling people where to go.